25-09-22 Hybrid Power Projection by Authoritarian Small States Download
In recent years, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has extended its foreign political footprint beyond the Arabian Gulf region, leaving a visible mark in neighbouring regions, in particular in East Africa. Through a combination of investments, security partnerships, and political engagements, the UAE is emerging as a key partner for East African countries—particularly in fragile, post-war contexts. This growing presence raises important questions about the strategic rationale behind the UAE’s involvement in a region characterised by instability, external intervention, and geopolitical contestation. Understanding the nature and impact of these engagements is not only academically relevant but also politically significant, as they shape patterns of governance, economic dependency, and regional power dynamics in one of the world’s most fragile conflict regions.